asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the increase in the number of deaths caused by suffocation or by fires in caravans; and-what action it is proposed to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Caravan Deaths.
37.
I am aware that fatal accidents of the kind mentioned by the Deputy have occurred but I have no information that there has been an increase in the rate of fatalities.
At my request, made some time ago, the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have examined the question of preparing a standard specification for caravans and mobile homes with particular reference to insulation and ventilation. The institute concluded that the principal danger of suffocation arose from the blocking of fixed ventilators by occupants using oil or liquid petroleum gas heaters and that no provision by way of a compulsory standard specification could prevent accidents of this kind from happening.
However, it was felt that a compulsory standard specification requiring a warning notice to be permanently and indelibly affixed to dwellings of this kind and specifying a minimum size for ventilators might help to reduce the incidence of deaths by suffocation. I have therefore asked the institute to prepare a standard specification along these lines suitable for compulsory application to new caravans.
I understand that the sanitary authorities under the aegis of the Department of Local Government were reminded recently of their responsibility to make reasonable provision for the protection of persons against fire in potentially dangerous dwellings.
Question No. 38 postponed.